Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers present the newest Canadian immigration updates for the third week of May. Follow us on our social media channels to stay up-to-date.
BCPNP and OINP invited up to 2,000 skilled candidates
British Columbia and Ontario continue inviting candidates through the provincial nominee programs (PNPs). On May 16, 2023, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) invited 202 qualified Skills Immigration candidates, including early childhood educators (NOC 42202) and healthcare professionals. On May 18, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) invited 1,694 Skilled Trades Stream candidates working under 46 National Occupational Classification (NOC). British Columbia invited 4,252 candidates this year, while Ontario issued 18,781 invitations under all OINP streams.
British Columbia and Ontario have been actively conducting draws to invite candidates who meet their specific criteria. While receiving a provincial nomination, an Express Entry candidate obtains an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which means a candidate will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw. If you want to apply for the provincial nominee programs, consult our immigration lawyers to determine your eligibility and prepare your application. Take advantage of the opportunity to make Canada your new home through the provincial nominee programs of British Columbia and Ontario. Apply today!
Canada sees more foreign-trained nurses seeking work opportunities
Canada’s provinces have recognized the need to increase the number of nurses in the country to provide quality health services to its citizens. In response, the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) has introduced a new and expedited registration and licensure process for nurses from seven designated countries: the Philippines, India, Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The new process has significantly reduced processing time, with nurses licensed in other parts of Canada experiencing a five-day processing time. In contrast, internationally trained nurses from the designated countries only take a few weeks.
This new process has already received an overwhelming response, with over 8,800 applications being submitted within just one week of its launch on May 1, 2023. This indicates a high demand for more nurses in Canada, and the new process is making it easier for internationally trained nurses to join the country’s healthcare workforce. This initiative is not only beneficial for nurses but also for the patients, who will get access to more healthcare professionals and, ultimately, better health services. It is important to note that this initiative is not just about filling the current shortage of nurses in Canada but also about recognizing the valuable contributions that internationally trained healthcare professionals can make to the country’s healthcare system.
Ottawa updated minimum income requirements for Super Visa applications
On May 2, 2023, the Government of Canada updated instructions to the Super Visa applications. The new minimum income requirement has increased by over 3.33% compared to the previous year, and it is now necessary to meet a higher threshold to be eligible for the Super Visa. A single-person family unit must have the minimum required income of C$27,514. This requirement for a two-person family unit is C$34,254. This means that families who wish to invite their parents or grandparents to Canada through the Super Visa program must meet these financial requirements to be approved.
The Super Visa is an important program that allows Canadian permanent residents and citizens to reunite with their loved ones. This visa allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada for a stay of up to five years, and extending their visit for an additional two years is possible. This means that families can spend more time together, and grandparents can enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. In addition, the new minimum income requirement is a significant change reflecting Canada’s and the world’s changing economic realities. By meeting the minimum income requirement, families can ensure their application is approved, and their loved ones can join them in Canada for an extended stay.
Canada’s population is projected to reach 40 million by June 2023
According to recent statistics, Canada’s population is expected to reach 40 million in June 2023, a significant increase from the current population of approximately 38 million. The population growth is directly attributed to the influx of immigrants into the country. The Canadian Government has been implementing policies and programs to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs worldwide. The country has welcomed thousands of immigrants annually, with a target of admitting over 500,000 by 2025.
The Government of Canada has introduced the Express Entry system, which allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada. In addition, the government has established the Start-up Visa program to attract immigrant entrepreneurs who can create jobs and support the economy. These efforts have successfully attracted a diverse pool of immigrants to Canada, contributing not only to the country’s economic growth and cultural diversity but also to its innovation and competitiveness on the global stage. With the increasing number of immigrants, Canada will continue to benefit from their skills, talents, and contributions to its development and prosperity.
Canadian trucking companies want faster immigration application processing
Canada’s trucking industry has expressed appreciation for the assistance that Ottawa provides internationally trained truckers who want to immigrate to the country. They believe this is a positive step towards resolving the current labour shortage crisis in the industry and ensuring Canada’s long-term economic recovery and stability. However, experts in the trucking industry believe that more needs to be done to address this issue. As a result, the Canadian Government is being called upon to prioritize processing immigration applications for internationally trained truckers and remove barriers that prevent these workers from entering the Canadian workforce.
This will enable the trucking industry to attract more skilled workers and fill the much-needed positions that are currently vacant. It is essential to note that the trucking industry is one of the most critical sectors of the Canadian economy. Without it, goods and services cannot be transported across the country, and the economy would come to a standstill. As such, the Canadian Government must take decisive action to address the labour shortage crisis and support the trucking industry’s growth.
Canada has recently updated its financial requirements for those who may pose an excessive demand on the country’s health and social services
On May 19, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the financial requirements for Permanent Residence applicants for excessive demand on health and social services. This update was in response to the increasing demand for healthcare and social services in Canada, which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated. IRCC has increased the excessive demand threshold applied to the Permanent Residence (PR) assessment from $24,057 to $25,689 as part of the update. This means that individuals seeking PR in Canada must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support their healthcare needs and will not place excessive demand on the country’s health and social services.
The excessive demand for health and social services occurs when an applicant’s health condition would negatively impacts the wait times for medical services in Canada or if the cost of treating and managing their condition is expected to exceed the Canadian average for health and social services per person. This is an essential consideration for IRCC, as it ensures that the country’s healthcare system can continue to provide high-quality care to all Canadians. To avoid being denied entry or stay in Canada, Permanent Residence applicants should ensure that they have comprehensive health insurance coverage that meets the requirements of IRCC. They should also be prepared to provide evidence of their financial resources and ability to support their healthcare needs.
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and PEI invited over new candidates through the PNPs
On May 18, 2023, the governments of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island invited new candidates through the PNPs. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) invited 1,032 candidates under 31 different NOCs, increasing the total number of invited candidates to 4,198. Manitoba invited 526 skilled candidates under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) streams, of which 225 were Express Entry applicants. Prince Edward Island also invited new candidates through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) and issued invitations to 159 skilled workers and business candidates. In 2023, the MPNP invited 5,504 candidates, while the PEIPNP invited 1,102 candidates.
The Canadian Government designs Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to allow provinces and territories of Canada to select immigrants based on their specific economic needs. The PNP program helps provinces and territories choose individuals who will help contribute to their economy’s growth by filling labour market gaps and addressing unique financial challenges. Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, with its unique eligibility criteria and requirements. Therefore, applicants interested in applying to the PNP program must first determine which province or territory they wish to live in and then review the eligibility criteria and requirements for that specific program.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers is a Canadian law firm that specializes in immigration law and provides expert assistance to individuals who want to immigrate to Canada. We offer a wide range of immigration services, including assisting with visa applications, helping to secure work permits, and providing guidance on the immigration process. Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to assisting clients in navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration law and ensuring that their applications are completed accurately and efficiently. In addition, we provide personalized attention to each client and work closely with them to understand their needs and circumstances. If you are considering immigrating to Canada, contact Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers to learn more about how they can assist you in achieving your immigration goals.
